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Counseling & Student Affairs

Certificate in Career Services

The Certificate in Career Services (CCS) is designed to provide helping professionals
with advanced knowledge and skills needed to better serve students and clients within
the context of a volatile and ever changing employment landscape. Graduates of this
certificate program will be better prepared to assist students to be more engaged
in the educational experience through appropriate academic major and career choice,
which may lead to higher retention of current students and successful transition to
the workforce. Moreover, the CCS program complements the master’s degree programs
in a wide variety of helping professions. The 15 hour certificate program includes
9 hours of required core courses and 6 hours of electives. The program requires an
internship in career counseling. The program may be completed as a stand-alone program,
or students admitted to related master’s degree programs may incorporate 12 hours
of the certificate program into their program of study (if appropriate). Admission
to the CCS program is based on completion of a baccalaureate degree and adequate preparation
in this or a related area of study. This certificate program welcomes applicants from
all graduate programs at Western Kentucky University and elsewhere. However, students
seeking admission to a University graduate degree program must apply to and meet admissions
requirements of the program. Please note that admission to, or completion of, the
CCS program will not guarantee admission to any graduate degree program.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the CCS program is based on completion of a baccalaureate degree and
adequate preparation in this or a related area of study. To apply for admission to
the certificate program, applicants should submit a Form A (Admissions Application)
to The Graduate School (with the required $60 fee), and have an official copy of their
undergraduate transcript (showing completion of the baccalaureate degree) sent to
WKU (if the applicant is not a graduate of WKU). In addition to their Form A and undergraduate
transcript, it is requested that applicants also submit a statement to The Graduate
School which indicates their reasons for wanting to pursue this certificate program,
how their previous life and educational experiences are applicable to this program,
and how they plan to use the credential in the future. The statement should be 3-4
pages in length (double-spaced) and follow APA format.

Certificate Requirements: 15 hours

Required Courses 9 hours

CNS 593 Career Development in Student Affairs and Higher Education

CNS 675 Advanced Career Counseling and Services Administration

CNS 595 Internship (in Career Counseling)

Restricted Electives 6 hours

(Two courses selected from the following (after consultation with their advisor and
based on their individual educational and career needs)